Bespoke Dress Design

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I do suggest going to try on wedding dresses before our appointment if you have no idea what you might like to narrow it down. Focus on how the dress makes you feel and why. Finding out what you don’t like is as important as what you do when designing a dress from scratch. Take some photos and we can discuss fit and feel and how to choose shapes that most compliment your figure and why. 

 

If you are really overwhelmed by dress shopping and need direction I can accompany you to a dress fitting for £30 p/h to help you navigate the bridal world. Sometimes we need a knowledgable stranger to be brutally honest as well as hold your hand for caring support. 

 

Before the consultation I will require you to have a selection of images of dresses you like as well as a description of your wedding and needed specifications of your dress. 

 

Eg, I am having a festival themed wedding that is boho chic but don’t want a full length dress because I have amazing shoes to show off. I really like tassels and hate lace. 

 

Think about the language to describe what you want. 

Eg, Vintage, Glamorous, Sexy, Romantic, Traditional, Conservative, Bohemian, Minimalist, Maximalist, Fairy Tale or themed. 

 

Think about what is appropriate for the season or if it’s a destination wedding. 

 

Are there any cultural elements would you like to include. Like something old, something new, something borrowed…

 

We will talk about all these elements but here’s some language for you to think about. 

 

 

 

Silhouette

A-line: Flared from the waist, creating a silhouette that resembles the letter "A."

Ball gown: Fitted bodice with a very full skirt, often used for formal occasions.

Mermaid: Fitted through the bodice and hips, flaring out at or below the knees.

Sheath: Straight and narrow silhouette that follows the body's natural line.

Empire: Fitted bodice with a high waistline just below the bust, with a flowing skirt.

 

Neckline

Sweetheart: Heart-shaped neckline that accentuates the bust.

V-neck: V-shaped neckline that elongates the neck and adds a slimming effect.

Halter: Neckline that ties or clasps behind the neck, leaving the shoulders and back exposed.

Boat neck: Wide neckline that runs horizontally across the collarbone.

Square: Straight, square-shaped neckline.

Off-the-shoulder: Neckline that sits below the shoulders, exposing the collarbone and shoulders.

 

Sleeve Style

Cap sleeves: Short sleeves that cover only the shoulders.

Long sleeves: Sleeves that extend to the wrists.

Three-quarter sleeves: Sleeves that end between the elbow and wrist.

Bell sleeves: Flared sleeves that widen towards the bottom.

Puff sleeves: Sleeves that are gathered at the shoulder and cuff, creating a puffy effect.

 

 Fabric

Lace: Delicate fabric with intricate patterns, often used for overlays.

Silk: Smooth and luxurious fabric with a soft sheen.

Satin: Glossy and smooth fabric with a high sheen.

Chiffon: Light and sheer fabric that drapes elegantly.

Tulle: Stiff and lightweight netting fabric, often used for layers and skirts.

 

 Embellishments

Beading: Decorative beads sewn onto the fabric

Embroidery: Intricate stitched designs on the fabric.

Appliqué: Decorative pieces of fabric sewn onto the dress.

Sequins: Small, shiny discs sewn onto the fabric for added sparkle.

Ruching: Gathered fabric that creates a textured, ruffled effect.

 

 Back Details

Open back: Backless design that exposes the back.

Keyhole: Small, round or oval cutout on the back.

Corset: Lace-up back that provides a snug fit.

Buttoned: Row of buttons running down the back.

 

 Length

Floor-length: Dress that reaches the floor.

Tea-length: Dress that ends between the knee and ankle.

Knee-length: Dress that ends at or slightly above the knee.

Mini: Dress that ends above the knee, often mid-thigh or higher.

 

 

The process

 

 

1. Consultation: The bride meets with me to discuss her vision, preferences, and ideas. They talk about the desired silhouette, fabrics, embellishments, and any specific design elements. This meeting helps the me understand the bride's style and personality. £30- £60

 

2. Design Sketches: Based on the consultation, the designer creates several sketches to visualise different design options. These sketches help the bride visualise how the dress will look and allow for any necessary changes or adjustments. £45

 

3. Fabric Selection: Once the design is finalised, the bride and designer choose the fabrics and materials. This may include different types of silk, lace, tulle, and other embellishments like beads or embroidery. £30

 

4. Measurements: Accurate measurements are taken to ensure the dress fits perfectly. This includes measurements of the bust, waist, hips, and length, as well as any other specific areas that need to be considered. £30

 

5.Mock-up (Toile): A mock-up of the dress, often made from a cheaper fabric like calico, is created to test the fit and design. The bride tries on the mock-up, and adjustments are made as needed. £150 including fitting

 

6. Pattern Making: The final pattern is created based on the adjusted mock-up. This pattern serves as the blueprint for cutting the actual fabric. £60

 

Approximately £400 up to this process. At this stage we buy the fabric. 

 

7. Cutting and Sewing: The fabric is carefully cut according to the pattern pieces, and the dress is assembled by sewing the pieces together. This is done with precision to ensure a high-quality finish. £30 p/h estimation will be given depending on complexity of the dress. 50% of the estimation to be paid upfront. 

 

8. Fittings: The bride has several fittings to try on the dress at different stages of construction. These fittings allow for adjustments to be made to ensure the perfect fit and comfort.

 

9. Embellishments: Once the main structure of the dress is complete, any embellishments such as lace appliqués, beadwork, or embroidery are added by hand.

 

10. Final Fitting: The final fitting ensures that the dress fits perfectly and meets the bride's expectations. Any last-minute adjustments are made at this stage.

 

11. Finishing Touches. The dress is carefully pressed and any final details are perfected before it is ready to be handed over to the bride.

 

Creating a bespoke wedding dress is a labor of love that results in a one-of-a-kind gown tailored to the bride's unique style and body. It's a collaborative journey between the bride and the designer to bring her dream dress to life. And it’s always a wonderful pleasure to personally get to know the bride and often make a new friend.